The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Hernando School District’s Office of Safe Schools are asking the public to help them stem the spread of a recent post on the TikTok social media app that tells users about a shooting and bomb threats slated to take place in “every school in the country” on Dec. 17.
TikTok is a popular social media app that allows users to create, watch, and share 15-second videos shot on cell phones. Recently the platform’s “Devious Lick” challenged students to post videos showing them stealing or damaging items taken from their schools.
“While law enforcement believes there is little credibility to this post, they will continue to investigate and update the school district,” the District’s Office of Safe Schools said in a written statement.
Meanwhile, the agency is asking members of the public not to share any social media posts that threaten schools or individuals.
“Sharing unfounded threats on social media rewards those who intend to create panic and can divert tremendous resources away from law enforcement and the school district,” the agency’s statement said.
Rather than circulate the post, the agency requests that people notify law enforcement whenever they see threatening posts.
“Our safety slogan is ‘If you see or hear something- say something,’” the District’s Office of Safe Schools statement said. “ Alert law enforcement right away, but please don’t post.”
